Created by
Gary B. Rollman,
Emeritus Professor of Psychology,
University of Western Ontario
(In addition to links below, see weekly archives in the right column)

Friday, July 09, 2010

Pain Control: A Guide for Those With,Cancer and Their Loved Ones - American Cancer Society

This information is written to help people with cancer learn about pain control. Reading this can help you:

• Work with your doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to find the best ways to control your pain• Know about different types of pain and how each type is treated.• Learn about different types of pain medicines.• Know about other ways to help manage pain.• Take your medicines safely.• Talk with your doctors and nurses about your pain and how well your treatment is working.

Having cancer does not always mean having pain. But for people who do have pain, there are many different kinds of medicines, different ways to take the medicines and nondrug methods that can help relieve pain.

Pain can affect all parts of your life. If you have pain, you may not be able to take part in your normal day-to-day activities. You may have trouble sleeping and eating, and be irritable with the people you love. It is easy to get frustrated, sad, and even angry when you are in pain. Family and friends do not always understand how you are feeling, and you may feel very alone in your distress.

You should never accept pain as a normal part of having cancer. All pain can be treated, and most pain can be controlled or relieved. When your pain is controlled, you can sleep and eat better, enjoy being with family and friends, and continue with your work and hobbies.